10 Of The Most-Photographed Sites In The South Of France

While most of your Instagram favorites (from Emily Ratajkowski to Kate Upton) have been hitting up Capri non-stop this summer, we've been spending our last precious days of sun in the South of France. It wouldn't be right to say le Midi, as the French call it, is having a moment, because Southern destinations like Marseilles and Nice have never gone off the radar.

Conjuring up visions of ivy-covered chateaus and fresh seafood on the Riviera, this picturesque part of the country will give you an excuse to live at a slower pace and fall in love with the everyday details of French life. While nearly every cobblestone street and beautiful basilica is worthy of your social feed, according to Yelp, these are 10 of the most-photographed places in the South of France, and they're absolutely worth a #nofilter picture.

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1Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, Marseille

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Easily one of the most recognizable structures in Marseille, the basilica that stands today was built on the foundation of a church circa 1214. The exteriors are beyond impressive (and photogenic), featuring layers of white limestone and green sandstone.

Must Snap: Fantastic architecture aside, up here you get views of the entire city, the sea, and the surrounding mountains. Catch it at sunset and you'll be racking up likes left and right.

2Palais des Papes, Avignon

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One of the largest medieval Gothic structures in Europe, Palais des Papes is a pretty surreal place to explore. It's made up of two buildings, the old palais and the new palais, which are equally architecturally fascinating and full of secret enclaves worth capturing.

Must Snap: If you're in Avignon during the month of May, the Rose Festival will make this breathtaking building even more stunning.

3Musée des Confluences, Lyon

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Believe it or not, France is not all storied chateaus and hilltop churches: This impressive piece of contemporary architecture is the work of Austria firm Coop Himmelb(l)au. If you're stunned by the exteriors, the deconstructivist interiors will blow your mind.

Must Snap: The steel-and-glass building was designed to look like a floating crystal cloud. If ever there is something you want on your Instagram feed, it is you standing next to a floating crystal cloud. #Wanderlust.

4Palais Longchamp, Marseille

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Home to the city's museum of fine arts and the natural history museum, Palais Longchamp is an epicenter for French culture...and great content.

Must Snap: Spend some time taking photos in the surrounding garden, the Parc Longchamp. The French Ministry of Culture considers it to be one of the Notable Gardens of France.

5Cité Médiévale de Carcassonne

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This medieval citadel, situated on top of a hill on the right bank of the Aude, is full of 2,500 years of history, from the Visigoths to the Crusaders. It's no surprise that this fortified city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Must Snap: Known for its 52 towers dispersed throughout, make sure to get a shot with a few in the backdrop.

6Musée des Augustins, Toulouse

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From Gothic artwork to 19th-century sculptures, the Musée des Augustins has an incredible collection that's perfect for browsing and putting dog filters on paintings.

Must Snap: This massive gallery within the museum, for the fantastic selfie lighting if nothing else.

7Vieux-Port de Marseille

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Marseille's Old Port is way more than just an Insta opp: the historic harbor dates all the way back to the 6th century B.C. Although it just became tourist-friendly in 2013, it's now a seriously popular spot to watch boats, hang out, and get the perfect nautical backdrop.

Must Snap: Hop on the ferris wheel for a truly sublime shot.

8Musée des Beaux-Arts, Lyon

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This is one of the largest museums in Europe, and the building is just as magnificent as the fine art collection. Whether you're snapping photos alongside Egyptian artifacts or in the expansive garden, this French museum is a social media dream.

Must Snap: Find your way to the courtyard, where you'll find gorgeous greenery and hidden Rodin sculptures.

9Rocher de la Vierge, Biarritz

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This landmark rock formation is a favorite for travelers seeking some dramatic photo opportunities. Plus, it has fantastic views of the ocean.

Must Snap: If you aren't afraid of heights, head out onto the pedestrian bridge and show your followers how *adventurous* you are.

10Antigone, Montpellier

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A prominent neighborhood in Montpellier, Antigone is easily recognized by its architectural designs by Ricard Bofill, including this neo-classical structure.

Must Snap: The architecture, the fountains, and the many sculptures will give your feed a very French feel.

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